“Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”

Never the legalist spewing lists of do’s and don’ts, Paul rather appeals to the Corinthians’ knowledge base. They had been “enriched in … all knowledge” (1 Cor. 1:5), and they “all have knowledge” (1 Cor. 8:1). Essentially Paul’s approach to them is this: “Think, Corinthians—use your heads!” The answer to the issue of things offered to idols comes not from finding an authoritative ruling, but from thinking deeply about the nature of God.

In this case, of course, the truth is that idols are nothing, simply figments of human imagination. Populist Christianity may see demon worship in idols, but Paul’s attitude is that idols are just pieces of stone, wood, or metal. There is only one God. For the sake of argument, even if there were other so-called gods (and there are not), they would be nothing compared to the Creator God of the Universe, who exists as Father and Son (who is the Lord Jesus Christ).

Whatever needs to be said about Christians and idols, we must first be clear about our theology. We must not give in to superstition, thinking that objects of idol worship involve intrinsic power, demonic or otherwise. Fear has needlessly gripped many Christians because of misunderstanding this issue. To be sure, Satan and his demons are active in the world, but we must be equipped with knowledge, not superstitious speculation, as Paul writes later:

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ …” (2 Cor. 10:5)

Like Paul, we need to be knowledgeable about the monotheism of Scripture. In Isaiah, for example, we see repeatedly the uniqueness of God asserted: “Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me” (Is. 43:10); “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me’” (Is. 44:6, see also Is. 45:5–6,18,22, 46:9, 47:10, 48:12). At the root of all issues, then, is a clear understanding of God and His incarnation in Jesus Christ (see Phil. 3:10). To Him only do we owe our very existence.

Father, help me grow in the knowledge of You and Your Son, the Lord Jesus.